Pitching keyboard against controller, the new service means current members of Xbox Live receive Games for Windows Live functionality using the same gamertag and friends list. Meanwhile PC gamers will gain Xbox Live functionality such as integrated in-game multiplayer voice chat, achievements and server support as part of the free Silver membership to Windows Live.

Gold memberships (which require a subscription fee) adds on multiplayer achievements, matchmaking according to skill, reputation and gamerzone, as well as cross-platform gameplay functionality.

The first game for Vista and 360 gamers will be Shadowrun, while Halo 2 will also be re-launched in a Windows Vista version. The latter will offer a custom map editor and the chance to earn achievements, something Microsoft says is a first for the Halo games.

RRP:
Shadowrun for Windows Vista and Xbox 360 - $69.95
Halo 2 for Windows Vista - $69.95

See: www.gamesforwindows.c om